The UK government has recently appointed a firm to help with the standardisation of MMC for housebuilding in the hope of improving innovation and accessibility in construction
It is hoped that a sector-wide standard for MMC in housebuilding would encourage the use of modern building materials, equipment, and techniques. The project, administered by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), aims to engage the industry in strategies to improve the accessibility of MMC within the sector.
“The objective is to reduce limitations which might be supplier-specific or housing-development-specific. We are looking for a solution that opens up the supply chain to more players and that opens up more choices for housebuilders,” said Tim Limberger, director of Limberger Associates, which is part of a consortium leading the MMC Standardisation Research and Kit of Parts project.
Tapping into the potential of MMC in housebuilding
Limberger emphasised that the initiative has the potential to safeguard MMC companies, promote sector expansion, and accelerate research into the full capabilities of MMC.
The DLUHC has run sessions with industry members to explore how MMC in housebuilding can be standardised for easy integration into the construction industry. While the specific standardisations have not yet been established, Limberger suggested that they could involve the creation of a common language on the subject and the implementation of practical applications.
“If someone needs a wall panel for a two-storey low-rise house, for example, there could be common criteria which makes it easier for the MMC process to take place,” said Limberger.
If all companies were using modular parts for the same project, having standardised practices would be highly beneficial.
The DLUHC aims to create a standardised platform that will be ready by the end of March next year. However, it is uncertain whether companies will be required to pay for access to the platform.
Many companies operating in the modular sector have faced challenges recently. Legal & General announced this month that it would cease production of modular homes at its factory due lack of profitability. Similarly, Urban Splash’s modular spin-off went into administration in May 2022, citing operational difficulties at its Alfreton factory.
“By delivering something that encourages greater standardisation and wider take up, the barriers to entry would be reduced, and the choices increased,” said Limberger.
Many modular companies are on the up
Limberger also highlighted that while certain companies faced challenges in the modular sector, others experienced success. In 2019, Barratt Homes acquired Oregon Timber Frame, a manufacturer of modular, structural timber frames that include insulated wall panels. In March, Barratt announced its ambition to create a new MMC factory in Derby, indicating their commitment to further development in this field.
Offsite modular specialist M-AR recently purchased a manufacturing facility in Hull, reinforcing its growth in the offsite construction sector. The company has committed to expansion through investments in new equipment, additional staff, and innovative training programmes.
“Although we are seeing some struggles, various organisations are evaluating what works and what doesn’t in terms of modular,” conclude Limberger.
